Sir Alf Ramsey’s World Cup-era documents to be auctioned

Items associated with Sir Alf Ramsey, who managed England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, are scheduled for auction. This collection of documents, contained within a suitcase, features pictures of former England captain Bobby Moore, along with scouting analyses provided by Sir Matt Busby, then manager of Manchester United, and Sydney Owen, a former Luton Town defender. These materials were passed on to Sir Alf’s neighbor, with whom he resided during his tenure as Ipswich Town manager from 1955 to 1963, following the passing of Sir Alf’s wife in 2018. The collection is anticipated to achieve a price of up to £1,500 when it is put up for auction in Diss, Norfolk, on November 28. A note penned by Sir Matt, addressed to “dear Alf”, stated: “First of all, congrats – keep it up.” It continued: “I know you have knowledge of Portugal but [I] have included a report which may help.” Rob Henshilwood, 41, a specialist in books and manuscripts at TW Gaze auction rooms, commented that the assortment of items illustrates the “collaboration” among individuals who contributed to England’s success. He remarked: “It’s so hands on as well isn’t it? It’s a world away from modern football management where you have a whole entourage.” He added: “This is all hand done and typed up, Alf Ramsey had a hand in all of this.” Scouting reports, handwritten by club managers, provided detailed information on the performance and tactical approaches of rival teams, such as Germany and Switzerland. A specific report featured hand-drawn diagrams illustrating the Swiss team’s formations during a tournament match. A program for the June 1966 training camp at Lilleshall presented the complete 40-player squad list submitted to Fifa. Furthermore, it contained information regarding player rooming assignments and meal requests for “first-class food” with “waitress service in the dining room,” along with directives for “squash, milk and fresh food.” The records indicated that Captain Moore shared accommodations with players such as Jimmy Armfield, Nobby Stiles, and Alan Ball. Jimmy Greaves was housed with individuals including Norman Hunter, goalkeeper Gordon Banks, and Martin Peters, who scored in the 1966 World Cup Final. Meanwhile, Geoff Hurst, known for his hat-trick, shared a room with Jack Charlton and Peter Bonetti. In addition to the numerous letters, the collection also included an Olympic assessment report concerning the effects of altitude in Mexico City, highlighting the early application of scientific principles in sports.